Orioles very impressive, taking 2 out of 3 from the Twins

Twins come back from a .500 road trip and now come home for a home stand starting with the Baltimore Orioles. Do the Twins have momentum after winning 3 out of 4 in Boston?

The opening night started out like they were going to answer my question. A 6-0 lead and I felt pretty comfortable that the team is building on momentum only to watch them lose in extra innings. A middle game win followed by a Mothers’ Day loss.

The Baltimore Orioles are for real. They were so impressive in the hits department. 40 hits in 3 games off Twins pitching was hard to watch. This team is a machine and the Yankees better watch out. I thought the Twins did pretty decent themselves collecting 30 in the 3 game series.

Odds and ends of the series:

1)      How about Vance Worley finally getting in the win column? Way to go Vance!!!

2)      Scott Diamond has been pitching strong and then Sunday is on a 6-0 losing side.

3)      Baltimore had 7 doubles in one game alone.

4)      Joe Mauer went 8-12 this weekend with 4 doubles himself.

5)       Jared Burton picked up his first save of the year for the Twins giving Perkins a night of rest

6)      Ryan Doumit hitting his 3^rd home run in the last 4 games. A great sign for the team with another home run threat

Twins lose 2 out of 3 at home yet remain at .500 and are only 2.5 games out of first. This home stand has got to go better in hopes of keeping up the rest of the division.

GO TWINS

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Season of hope ends in the Windy City

The Wild down 3 games to 1 and must win the next 3 against the President’s trophy winner, the Chicago Black Hawks. The backs are to the wall with no tomorrow if a loss occurs Thursday night in the Windy City. Do the Wild pull the upset?

First period typified the series with the Wild dominating the Black Hawks zone. A shot by Jason Pominville created a huge rebound with Captain Miko Koivu coming in for the game’s first goal. The miss was heart wrenching. Oh that would have been sweets to come out with the first goal. The Wild were so active but no results in goals.

 A power play failure again, just another frustrating stat of the playoffs as the Wild go 0-17 on the power play.

Black Hawks Marian Hossa gave the Hawks the lead. A beautiful pass and a one timer by Hossa broke my heart. If only the Wild could take advantage like this. It seemed Goalie, Josh Harding was ready but Hossa found just enough space.

The theme of the playoffs goes like this. The Wild work, work, dominate but cannot score. The Black Hawks survive the onslaught get one chance and all the Wild work goes for not. How many times did we see this occur?

A second period bomb by Wild defenseman, Jared Spurgeon clanks off the post. The sound that came through the TV of the clank was so disappointing. It was such a nice shot as it was placed beautifully only to see it miss my millimeters. Game 1 Jason Zucker clanks one of the goal post in overtime.

The work ethic is there just no finishing ability. The major difference between the 2 squads was made evident in each game.

I felt so bad for Harding when he got pulled. He leaves down 3-0. A man who lived through what he did this year I wanted so badly for him to succeed. I would like to thank Harding for his efforts in net this series.

Wild down 3-0 finally get a goal by Torrey Mitchell. I was so excited knowing we are back in the game and then 35 second later literally the Black Hawks score. What a sick feeling!!!!!!!

The game ends with me going to bed dejected. I wanted so badly to see this team do well.

The questions now begin and decisions now must be made. The Gophers fired Tubby Smith, the Wolves fire David Kahn do the Wild keep Coach Yeo?

I believe the team itself has a bright future as far as players go. Zach Parise and Ryan Suter signed July 4^th, 2012 for 13 years. They are not going anywhere. The rookies: Jonas Brodin, Charlie Coyle, and Jason Zucker got some great experience and with them being so young I Iook for them to be pillars for quite some time. It will be neat to see how Jason Pominville with a full off season see what he can add.

The names Bouchard, Koivu, Brodziak what do the Wild do with them?

So many questions in the off season will begin Friday. No matter what happens, my hope is the decisions come sooner than later.

The Wild finally after 5 years got the taste of the playoffs as well as the fans so now it is time to build on that. I am already excited for October 2013.

Thanks Wild for a season to remember

Go Wild

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

Road trip end on a high

The Twins just completed their 10 game road trip ending it 5-5. They state out losing 2 out of 3 to Detroit and end it taking 3 out of 4 from the Boston Red Sox. This team after losing 90 plus the last 2 is starting out 2013 with promise.

The Twins gave us many thrills in the Boston Series:

Joe Mauer 5 doubles

3 Twins hit their first home runs of the year: Brian Dozier, Ryan Doumit and Pedro Florimon.

Florimon in the 15-8 win got a home run and a double in the same inning and to think he got those from different sides of the plate.

 Doumit hit a 2^nd home run in the series and has raised his average from .197 on April 25^th to .237 after the May 9^th games in Boston. 40 points is great and much appreciated as he is helping this team score.

Twins turned 6 double plays in the 4 game series with 4 in one game and 2 in another.

Oswaldo Arcia who turned 22 on Thursday turned in an unbelievable series going 7-13 which included a triple and home run on his birthday. He now has a 7 games hitting streak and has hit safely in 9 of the last 10. What a rookie campaign he has started.

Twins starters, 2 were good and 2 not so good. How about Scott Diamond pitching 7 innings of 3 hit ball at Fenway? Kevin Correia picks up his 4^th win of the season as he wins the series finale.

Relief pitcher Ryan Pressly got his first major league victory in the 15-8 win. Congrats to Ryan!!!

The 15-8 Wednesday win was a game I did not want to end. 11 runs in the first 2 innings by the Twins have not happened in 26 years. The year 1987 and what happened that year? The World Series was won by the Twins.

The 15 runs were the most scored since May 25^th 1965, the year I was born.

In a thought the only loss the Twins suffered in Boston the Twins had a 41 lead only to lose in extra innings. It is a selfish thought sweeping the Red Sox. Heck, 3 out of 4 I will take as well.

Way to go Twins!!!!   A game over .500 is a great mark, but now the Twins return home and look to take care of business against the Baltimore Orioles.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Can the Wild repeat the 2002-2003 season magic?

The Wild are only down 2 games to 1 with a huge game at the X and a chance to even the series before the teams head back to Chicago. I had just finished watching the New York Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins to even up that series. I thought if New York can tie up Pittsburgh that got me even more psyched to watch the Wild game.

Pittsburgh and Chicago, the two number 1 seeds in their respective divisions and playing the 8^th seeds, and struggling thus far.

The Wild come in with everything on the line. We saw Sunday what a crowd can do for this team and the team responded with a great overtime win. Game 4 is ready to begin. It had been a long day waiting for 8:30 and the time had come so what will the outcome be?

Josh Harding back in nets has playing unbelievable thus far in the series. I believe he should be the Wild MVP thus far. Jason Pomniville gets the clearance after being out for much of the last part of the season. The home crowd waving their hankies wildly, Pominville is back, and a chance to even up the series with so much excitement how can the Wild not win?

The first period the Wild came out and dominated the Black Hawks. The Wild get chance after chance but yet a turnover and Black Hawks capitalize. I thought, oh no this is the last thing the Wild needed. The unthinkable happens next to this snake bitten team, watching Harding get run into and now we are down 2 goalies. What more can this team take?

Darcy Kuepmer gets his shot and I thought maybe this would be the boost to get the Wild sparked. Black Hawks score on their first shot on goal. I really thought after that Kuemper played very well before surrendering a terrible angle goal in the third.

The goals by Zucker in game 3, and Bickell in game 4 were terrible angles just proves fire on net and see what happens.

I am in shock sitting here writing with so much hope and so many storylines that should give the Wild the extra momentum.

I cannot remember any hockey game where one team had such a major advantage on the power play. The refs gave Minnesota every chance to tie the game if not destroy the Hawks with Minnesota getting 6 power plays and coming up empty.

The Wild puck movement was awesome to watch, the problem was Chicago played Minnesota hockey and blocked everything we shot at them.

It got harder and harder to watch the failures of the power play knowing one goal would ignite this team and really get the crowd behind them.

The Wild have too many wasted chances and the Black Hawks have few chances but the chances they had cashed in.

I am not convinced Chicago is showing why they are the number 1 seed yet and that is why I feel Game 5 is winnable. Will the Black Hawks come in overconfident knowing they are one win away from advancing?

The next story line is who gets the call in nets for the Wild?

The old saying applies here, “It’s not over until it’s over.” Wild fans we have to believe this team can win the next 3. I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Twins still hanging around the .500 mark

The 2012 Twins took 12 out of 18 from the Cleveland Indians and now face the Indians for the first time in 2013. The Indians have added Twins killer ex-Yankees Nick Swisher. What do the Indians have in store for the Twins?

The answer is the Twins did a copy and paste from the prior series with Detroit. The first 2 go to the bad guys and the good guys take game 3.

It was a series that saw Justin Morneau get his 800th rbi as a Twin in Game 1which makes Justin only the 5^th Twins ever to do this. He joins Harmon Killebrew, Kent Hrbek, Kirby Puckett and Tony Oliva to hit this milestone in Twins history.

Brian Dozier had a 3-4 day as the leadoff batter in the first game if the series. These stats were not enough as Twins lose.

The next two saw a pitching flip flop. Kevin Correia and Red Sox’ Clay Buchholz were the only 2 American League starts to go 5 straight starts to go at least7 innings. Kevin did not have such good luck this start, but still what a way to start his Twins career. Sunday’s starter Mike Pelfrey had been struggling only to see him pitch a strong game Sunday in getting a win.

The home run department saw this weekend Twins rookie, Aaron Hicks get his first home run of the year. A first pitch no doubter. It would have been nice if the Twins would have been able to get the win that day making it more special for Hicks.

Twins 3^rd baseman, Trevor Plouffe had a nice weekend connecting on home runs in two different games this weekend.

The no quit Twins do it again winning the final game of the series keeping the team close to .500 with a record of 13 wins and 14 losses. The Twins now move on to Boston for the next 4 games ending this 10 game road trip.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Secret to success: Play physical and shoot high

The Wild down 2-0, coming into game 3 where a win is an absolute  must especially playing in front of the home crowd.

I attended the game and took in the pregame festivities outside the X. They had a band playing, food vendors were set up along with a playoff merchandise tent. KFAN radio was doing a show and the tent next to that was more KFAN where a Stanley Cup replica made by KFAN was available to hold up and get your picture taken with it.

I found another tent with ex North Stars players who were signing autographs for fans. It was a thrill to meet Don Beaupre, Brad Maxwell, Jack Carlson and Tim Young. Oh the memories of the old North Stars. What a great treat to have the pleasure to meet these 4 former Stars.

In walking outside I noticed a tremendous amount of Black Hawks fans that made the trip. It was a lot of red outside with people where their Wild jerseys and the Black Hawk fan that wore their red jerseys.

The game itself started with Jack Jablonski taking the hockey flag and bringing it to center ice. It was extremely emotional watching this young man come across the ice in his wheel chair holding the State of Hockey flag. Jack’s Dad and brother called out the Lets play hockey.

There was so much emotion in the stadium. The playoff towels that were laid on each earing were being waved furiously. The fans were really into the game. The Black Hawks score leaving an eerie feeling and hearing people talk about oh no here we go.

The Wild tie it on a late goal and really got the crowd as loud as it had been all day. The Wild I felt outplayed the Black Hawks badly yet a tie score.

The second period goal by Zach Parise got the X so jacked. I could hear the chants towards Black Hawk goalie, Crawford as fans were chanting sieve, sieve, sieve.

I felt so good about the Wild winning this game. It seemed everything was going right. I look at the clock with 6 minutes left in the game hoping the time would speed up.

The Wild’s worst nightmare occurred as the fans got to watch the Black Hawks being relentless in cycling the puck around and around. The Wild could not get the puck out of the zone. It is a bad feeling sitting and watching helplessly as it seemed just a matter of time before the Hawks would score.  It happened as the Hawks tie it up. Fans were so upset so much than 3 fans in front of me left the game saying we are going to lose.

Overtime started with so much pressure on the Wild as the Black Hawks seemed to have taken the game over late in the Third.

I had seats where I got to see the Wild score 2 goals down in front of me so the Overtime if the Wild were to win I would have to watch at the other end. It would be so worth it.

I saw the greatest moment at the other end as Jason Zucker scored the winning goal. Wild players jumped the bench onto the ice in jubilation, fans were waving the hankies. The place went bananas in my greatest hockey moment in attending a game.

I loved the Wild play from start to finish. I thought Pierre Marc- Bouchard was the game MVP. The determination by each and every player on the Wild was huge. The hits the Wild laid on the Black Hawks never got old.

I believe the key to beating the Black Hawks is 2 things: 1) hit the pretty boys because they do not have their feathers ruffled and 2) shoot high on Crawford he can’t stop the puck. A jacked up crowd doesn’t hurt either.

Game 4 is now the biggest game of the year with a Wild win making it 2-2 or Black Hawk win only leaves the Hawks needing one more.

Sunday’s game was the best money I have spent in quite some time. It was a blast seeing the Wild knock off the Stanley Cup favorites, the Black Hawks.

Go Wild

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

 

Sorry Black Hawks, series is far from over

The Black Hawks escape with an overtime win in Game 1 and now come into Game 2 with a chance to go up 2-0 before heading to Minnesota. A split in Chicago I will take. It is a tremendous challenge for the underdog Wild. The pressure is on so how will the Wild perform?

First period I held by breath a lot with all the quality chances the Black Hawks had. Goalie Josh Harding came to play once again only giving up 1 goal in 15 shots. We survived the onslaught for now. I felt only down 1-0 after watching the Hawks dominate there might be hope.

The second period Wild finally gets a power play and I thought a chance to tie it up making the crowd a little nervous.    What a time to give up the Wild’s first shorthanded goal of the year. Oh boy down 2-0 on the road against the Stanley Cup Champ favorite do we have a chance? Devin Setogughi answered on the beautiful feed from Cullen making it 2-1. My thought still continues I really feel we have a chance to steal one on the road. The Wild just do not quit and I love that about this team.

Black Hawks score making it 3-1 as my heart was breaking giving me the feeling like this team is in trouble. Chicago up 4-1 and then Wild make it 4-2 again a sign of fight to the end. Empty net goal Hawks win 5-2 and go up 2-0 in the series.

I have to take the positives I saw because I am sorry I just do not believe the Wild are out of this series. Yes, we are down 2-0 but the Wild showed me some grittiness in not quitting.

The blocking of Black Hawks shots continues to be a story line in the first 2 games. The goaltending by Harding is unbelievable. In facing over 80 shots by this high powered Black Hawks team Harding has been the team MVP thus far. The goals he gave up Friday I do not know of too many goalies that could have stopped these.

Black Hawks have scored 7 in the first 2 but none by Patrick Kane or Jonathon Toews as of yet. I will say that Kane is unbelievable with the puck and how he makes it look so effortless.

The Wild power play looked extremely good in the 2nd period with Parise having 7 shots alone jabbing and jabbing away in one of the opportunities.

I am concerned with the punishment the Hawks dished out to Koivu with no penalties called. The one where he clearly gets punched in the head and of course gets the penalty on retaliating. Has Koivu ever taken 3 penalties in one game? The sign of frustration is concerning.

The Black Hawks did what they had to and that was winning both at home. The scene moves to Minnesota where the State of Hockey will be behind these players 100%.

I am not convinced Black Hawk goalie Crawford is good enough to make the Cup run. I am hoping the Wild put 50-60 shots on goal. The hope is to see the team shoot high on him. They can beat him just shoot, shoot, shoot. Please don’t look for the perfect pass just pepper away.

A win is a must, making the series 2-1 giving the Hawks some doubts and worry after the last 2 years going out in the first round.

The Black Hawks are the best team in the NHL to date but I feel a home crowd will put this Wild team over the edge. It can and will be done. A win on Sunday is the medicine the doctor ordered. Wild will win 4-1

I will be at the game Sunday. It will be my first playoff game ever including the North Stars years. This Wild team has showed they can play with the Hawks. We need to be more physical and just shoot the heck out of the puck and a victory we will see at the X.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

 

No quit Twins do it again

The Twins have just finished their first 3 games of the road trip in Detroit and they finished it on a good note winning the last game 6-2.

The Twins win puts them at 12-12 which is super impressive as I look back to the 2012 season and see the team was 6-18 after 24.  The team’s new addition of pitchers to the staff has helped quite a bit. Vance Worley for now seems the one to be struggling. I am confident Twins pitching Coach Anderson will help him overcome the struggles or at least I hope he can.

The series had no errors committed by either team which I find a little shocking but in a good way. 27 innings of no error baseball is a true baseball fans delight along with a win of course.

The Twins struck out 31 times in the 3 game series with 10, 10 and 11 in the 3 games. The Twins got to face the Tigers 3 best with the results verifying the legitimate pitching staff the Tigers have.

In terms of pitching I was quite pleased how Twin’s Scott Diamond rebounded in Game 3 getting the win after giving up 12 hits in his last start. I liked Diamond last season and so far this season he looks to be strong other than last start.

Game 3 also had a nice feature by a Twins player. Ryan Doumit played catcher threw out a Tigers would be base stealer and stole a base himself. What a day for Doumit.

Aaron Hicks continues to plug away and I appreciate his effort. A triple in Wednesday’s game is a nice ego boost for our rookie center fielder. Keep up the good work Aaron.

I was looking at the attendance for the 3 games and saw something I thought was strange. The Wednesday day game had the biggest crowd of the series with 87 percent of capacity. A weekday game in a work week saw more people than 2 night games after work that had 72 and 77 percent of capacity.

The Twins now have a day off.  One of the many reasons I think a lot of them is what happened Wednesday. The team loses the first 2 but comes back to take the 3^rd. A team that does not quit is exciting and nice to see.

I believe we are in for a special season, so let’s keep up the faith in the team and we will see in October how special the season was.

GO TWINS

Thanks for reading

Many positives to look at in OT loss

Chicago enters the series as the favorite to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup starts out by facing our favorite team, the Minnesota Wild. All stats favor Chicago yet the Stanley Cup playoffs can bring some big upsets. Will we see Minnesota steal Game 1 on the road?

The pregame injury to Backstrom and the insertion of Josh Harding would this be the boost the Wild need?

What does Minnesota sports teams do to deserve this fate? The Vikings enter the playoffs and lose Ponder only to see Joe Webb get the start after sitting on the bench all year. Tonight Backstrom gets hurt and in comes Harding.

I dislike the Black Hawks but I sure enjoy the way the National Anthem is sung. If that does not bring chills before a big game, what will?

The game ended as we know in an overtime loss. It might be easy to get negative because a loss and now down 1-0.

I am totally encouraged after this performance that this series will go more than 4. The play of Harding in nets was awesome. A game 1 on the road with a last minute call and he stops 35 shots for almost a 95 percent save percentage. I know we lost but without the way he played the Black Hawks could easily got 5-6 goals. Way to go Josh!!!!!

How many times were the Black Hawks off sides tonight?  The look of frustration on their faces was rather enjoyable with this over confident group of Black Hawks each time the whistle blew.

The Wild defense played the game of their lives blocking over 20 shots. It was so nice to see the team effort and the desire to see a team do whatever it took to get the job done.

I know there is not a game MVP in a loss but if there was my vote goes to Jason Zucker. The penalties he drew as he used his speed. The shot off the goal post was millimeters from going in and ending it. A guy that gets sent up and down from Houston to Minnesota sure played the game of his life.

The amount of odd man rushes the Wild got tonight is something to build on for game 2 knowing they can beat the Black Hawk defensemen.

The play of the 4^th line with Rupp, Konopka and Mitchell was unbelievable. These guys looked like they wanted to be the number 1 line.

I was a little nervous coming into game 1 that a blowout may occur but the way the Wild fought I fully believe this series can go and will go 7.

A win Friday by the Wild heading back to Minnesota for the next 2 games would really set up a series that the Black Hawks don’t win.

LA Kings, 2012 number 8 seed won the Cup. It can happen and it will if the Wild can play a game like they did tonight.

I truly believe the Black Hawks are sitting in their locker room thinking how lucky they got. Black Hawks goalie, Crawford gave up way to many big rebounds.

I believe since it is a series the Wild can look at the game tape and see what they can do different.

My hope is the team starts shooting more instead of looking for the perfect pass. We had the Black Hawks on the rope and let them get off.

Chicago you will not get so lucky next time.

I can’t wait for Friday!!!!!!!!! Go Wild!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Twins follow the weather and heat up

Minnesota had a good sports week including the Wild making the playoffs, Vikings grade A draft and now add the Twins splitting a series against the Western Division leader, Texas Rangers.

The Twins have had four 2 game series in a row and now the team was able to actually finish a full series and 4 games to boot.

Rangers came in with a top 5 American League record and took the first 2 games. The Twins did not back down and took games 3 and 4.

The Twins got 3 very good starts in Game 1, 3 and 4. Game 2 had Scott Diamond have an unusual start giving up 12 hits.

Game 1 Vance Worley lost a 2-1 game, Game 3 Pedro Hernandez pitches outstanding and the last game Twins best pitcher to date Kevin Coreia got his 5^th quality start in the early season.

I thought an unusual stats but good for the Twins is when I look at the home run totals for both teams. The Texas Rangers team seems to always be a power hitting team. The final stats: Texas 1 Twins 4. It was nice to see Oswaldo get hit 2^nd of the year, Willingham get 2 in one series and Morneau get his 2^nd of the season. This is so encouraging to see power and even more exciting to out homer Texas.

Aaron Hicks who has struggled so badly now has his average over 100 at .118 and got his first extra-base hit of the season on Saturday with a double.

Moday we had snow and now this four game series Game 1, the teams played in 51 degree weather and the last day in the mid 70’s. Saturday and Sunday’s beautiful weather saw the Twins heat up in the scoring outscoring the Rangers 12-2. Wow is all I can say.

It is truly a long season but I sure like what I am seeing out of this team. A game over 500 and the Twins are tied with Kansas City as the two best in the division in the last 10 games with both going 7-3.

The Twins now go on a 10 day road trip and face division rival Detroit Tigers and get the luck of the draw facing the Tigers best including Justin Verlander.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Been a long time coming but worth the wait

Friday night all the Wild needed was a win in home against Edmonton who is out of playoff contention. The game was not part of my local cable once again which is frustrating.

The way the game went as I listened to on the radio I am glad I did not have to watch that embarrassing performance. I love the team but even I had tough time stomaching the score after score on few shots on goal. The fans booing I could hear through the radio.

Ok, Friday is over and now a win or potentially go home depending on how Columbus does against Nashville is up for the Wild. The whole 48 game season comes down to 1 game.

A road game against Colorado who is not a playoff contender like Edmonton is next up. A back to back game, except this time on the road against Colorado Avalanche, who has nothing to play for except playing a spoiler role and pride. How will the Wild perform?

This is why I am such a passionate Minnesota fan because I am patient and hope for results like the Wild gave me in Saturday’s win.

It was a game like I expected with pressure on the Wild. Goalie Niklas Backstrom had a lousy night Friday at home but responded well especially in the 3^rd period Saturday in the biggest win in the last 5 seasons.

The last 1:39 of the game was the longest time as a fan that I could take. Colorado pulls their goalie and all I could do is hope. Each time the Wild cleared the zone I knew precious seconds would tick off. Every time Colorado would break through I held my breath. The seconds were ticking off 5, 4,3,2,1 0000000. Game over. Wild in the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.

Next up: Stanley Cup Playoffs: BRING ON THE CHICAGO BLACK HAWKS

Anybody remember the old days? Secord _ _ _ _ _!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Twins complete fouth 2 game series in a row

The Miami Marlins come to the Target Field for the first time in their history. They lead the major league in lows with a .211 team batting average, 46 runs scored, only 6 home runs, 44 rbis’s and a .270 team on base percent. The Twins come in riding a 4 game winning streak.

The Twins-Marlins rained out Monday night so they played a day-night doubleheader. The series was only scheduled 2 games but this now makes 4 series in a row of 2 games.

Monday’s game giveaway for fans entering the gate was to be a rain gauge. Yes, it had already been predetermined before the season as a game with a giveaway. How fitting is this with all the moisture Minnesota has seen? The giveaway was moved back to Tuesday.

Miami’s manager should be a familiar face to Twins fans, Mike Redmond, who I really enjoyed watching when he was in a Twins uniform. It is Mike’s first year on the job and I wish him success just not this series.

The day part of the doubleheader the Twins get another solid outing out of starter, Kevin Correia as he pitches seven innings of 5 hit ball. Twins closer, Glen Perkins, I am calling Mr. Automatic gets the save and is now 6-6 in saves.

It is so nice to not have to hold your breath when a Twins closer comes in. Matt Capps last year seem to give me heart failure last season at least once a month. It is a long season and who knows if Perk can keep this domination up. It is just a hope for mine. He has worked so hard in the organization and has waited his turn and now is being rewarded. A left hander that can throw in the mid 90’s is awesome. Way to go Glen!!!!!

It was great to see Oswaldo Arcia get his first major league home run. I would never compare him to Jim Thome but when is the last time you saw a Twins hitter smoke a ball that far.

A great 4-3 win and now 2 games over .500 with the nightcap to come.

The night game I think the Marlins did not read my first paragraph. Holy cow, Marlin’s batting practice at Twins starter, Mike Pelfrey’s expense.  He gave up 5 runs and 9 hits in just a little over 4 innings.

I am so happy for Mike Redmond but in a way I wish I could have seen ex-Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen in action. I do not know if I have ever seen a more controversial manger than Ozzie.

The Twins move on to a four game home series against the Texas Rangers.  4 games will seem like an eternity with the last 4 series only being 2 games. Go Twins and sweep those Rangers. Don’t forget AJ Pierzynski is the new Rangers catcher. It should be a fun series.

Go Twins

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Wild finally play complete game at the X

Three games left and controlling their own destiny for a playoff spot the Wild hosted the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. The Kings already have secured a playoff spot while our Wild are fighting to hold on. The Wild players know, the fans know that is its time to get the ever elusive W at home. The Wild, struggling at home as of late and the biggest game of the year, how would the team perform?

I love the tribute to the military tonight. The pregame camouflage uniforms worn by the Wild were awesome. The lowering of the military man from the ceiling to the ice for the ceremonial dropping of the puck was a great touch as well.

The play of the Wild in the first period alone I thought looked as good as they have in quite some while. The Wild have been struggling at home to score as of late. Tuesday, 2 goals in 16 seconds Tuesday night was phenomenal. Is this game going to be a blowout?

Kings goalie, Jonathon Bernier I really thought we could take advantage more with the big rebounds he was allowing. I find myself on the edge of my seat in hopes as I see the puck laying there that a Wild player could get to it and put it in the net.

The hitting led by Cal Clutterbuck seemed to inspire the team as it became contagious. I loved the effort and energy these guys brought to the rink.

The first line of Parise, Koivu and Coyle I thought played the best game of the year. The guys were relentless in hustle. The first goal by Coyle was a great product of the determination. What a pass by Parise from behind the net and even better the shot by Coyle.

The game was as physical as I have seen all year. I know refs don’t win or lose the game but how many games must the Wild go through before they actually get a call on a legitimate penalty?

An earlier game in the season Koivu gets a high stick in the face and draws blood, yet no penalty. Tuesday another example of injustice as we watch Jason Pominville take a cheap shot, an elbow to the head right in front of a linesman.  Wild defenseman, Brodin gets slashed down in the corner later.

The goal by the Kings with less than a second left in the period made left me with a nervous feeling going into the third. The Wild had outshot the Kings badly in the first 2 periods and outplayed them as well but somehow only a 2-1 lead.

The Wild played so well in the third period. The ability to clear the zone and continuing the hitting showed me this team wanted the win badly.

The save by Wild goalie, Niklas Backstrom late in the game I thought was the save of the year. A great team win with all lines contributing puts us that much closer to seeing the Wild back in the playoffs.

Friday, a home game vs. Edmonton not just another game it is a win and in to the playoffs for the Minnesota Wild.

These games make me nervous with a team that is out of the playoffs but know they can be a spoiler. A huge win vs. the Kings leaves no time for a letdown. Let’s Go Wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

What is it going to take?

The Wild started a home stand on Sunday knowing they control their own destiny in making the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

This team is so hard to figure out at home with the last 4 games and the results. They had been so dominating all year and the last 4 hit the wall. Are they pressing and feeling the pressure of the playoffs?

The memo was sent out to the NHL that the Wild and all of Minnesota wants them in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The problem is the young and going nowhere, Calgary Flames evidently did not get that memo.

The Wild did everything possible. They dominated every phase of the game. The shots on goal 35 to 24 in favor of the Wild along with faceoff domination 36 to 25. The problem was twofold Sunday. First the Flames power play looked like the old Edmonton Oilers with Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri and Mark Messier at the attack. The Flames made it look so easy is scoring. They tallied 3 power play goals although one was an empty netter.

The other problem was Flames goaltender; Joey Macdonald played the game of his life. It seems other than the Calgary and Edmonton games, the Wild are facing goalies that are hot.

I will say in the loss the line of Koivu, Parise and Coyle was unbelievable. The domination each shift was awesome. It is a shame they could not have been rewarded more often.

The season is far from over but if the team cannot figure out how to score more than one goal the end of the season will come down to a waiting game on which team in the NHL wants that 8^th position the most.

My faith is still in the team, but it is disheartening to see a team play that well and not come up with two points.

Go Wild on Tuesday and beat the Kings!!!

3 games left with 2 home and one on the road. The time is ticking on the Wild season. We can do it. Please have faith   Koivu and Parise will need to take charge. The workers they are, I know they can get this team into the playoffs.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

The broom was brought to the Windy City

In 2012. the Chicago White Sox took 14 out of 18 from the Minnesota Twins. 2013 season thus far has hade some nice signs of change including a weekend sweep of the White Sox.

We are seeing a trend of 2 game series with the weather causing a nightmare for teams trying to get all 3 in. The Twins have now had 3 series in a row of playing only 2 starting last weekend with the Mets followed by the Angels and now the White Sox.

We finally after the Twins having 3 days off finally got to see a game Saturday. It feels like a football season with so few games being played.

The game Saturday was a win yes, but how frustrating leaving 15 men on base. This team just does not quit and they were rewarded with a win. How many teams win a game with this many men on base?

The last time Vance Worley took the mound it was like batting practice for the Mets. I loved how Worley bounced back Saturday and although not involved in the decision he pitched his butt off.

Josh Willingham had never got a hit off White Sox pitcher, Jake Peavy until Saturday. This is just another sign to me this team is going to have better luck in winning games.

 

The team is a team you want to pull for after they have been so bad the last 2 seasons. I am not saying World Series bound yet but I believe we have players who are just plain sick of losing and want to change.

It was the first extra inning game of this young season and a win. Way to go Twins!!

Sunday the Twins finally got the big hit in the seventh as Josh Willingham cleared the bases with his double scoring 3.

Twins starter, Scott Diamond pitched a whale of a game and got the win. I thought his last start he looked good and today again pitched outstanding.

I am really like the late inning relief efforts by the Twins and now Glen Perkins gets the save going 5 for 5 so far this season.

In another strange game by Aaron Hicks he picks the last game of the series to get a hit and an rbi. I give him credit batting .043 and he still is battling.

Mauer had a 10 game hitting streak ended but still batting in the .380’s is very impressive.

A sweep in Chicago, a first time series win at home over Detroit in a couple seasons and a first series win in Baltimore in a couple years as well. I am seeing positives.

The team is on a 4 game winning streak and even one game over .500 at 8-7. Life is good.

Monday the Miami Marlins come to town and the give way for the game is a rain gauge. How fitting is this? Fans can hold it out and catch the rain tomorrow. I just hope the game gets played. The team is hot and I want to keep watching this young team learn to win.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Wild run into scoring frenzy in the Shark tank

The Wild came into San Jose for the last game of the road trip on a hot streak, winning 2 and scoring 9 in the 2 games.

I knew the game would be tough in San Jose knowing the Sharks have lost only one time all season at home and throw in 5 ties. The Wild had better bring their A game.

The end result was the worst loss of the season for the Wild losing 6-1 and falling into 7^th place one point by St. Louis. The team has 4 games left with 3 at home and the last game of the season in Colorado. The good news is only one of the 4 is against a playoff contender, the Los Angeles Kings.

The positive on the road trip is out of 6 points the team got 4. What if Wild would have been swept out West?

The team is still in the playoff hunt. I just hope if when we make the playoffs we do not have to face San Jose in the first round and on the road.

The Wild on Thursday night in the first period had a chance as Jason Pominville was fed a beautiful pass that lead to a breakaway. Sharks goaltender, Antti Niemi made the save of the game. What if Pominville had scored to make it 1-0? Would the outcome been any different?

I had a bad gut feeling after the stop by Niemi and then only to see San Jose get a gift goal off Koivu’s stick. Is it going to be one of those nights?

The pregame commentators had listed 3 things the Wild need to do to get a win. One of them is winning the faceoff battle. San Jose won 7 of the first 8 and ended up the night winning 41-32.

One thing I was surprised at was the way the last game ended in a fight and losing Dany Heatley. The game Thursday had less penalty minutes than I thought would happen. No Mike Rupp or Zenon Konopka so I thought San Jose would take more advantage of this.

A night that saw one power play total for both teams and that went to San Jose. I do not know the last time I saw one power play total between 2 teams.

It is time to come home Sunday and lay a beat down on the Calgary Flames and keep up in the playoff race.

Minnesota fans are starving for a playoff team. I only imagine the X Center to be rocking Sunday night. San Jose game is over time to get back home and get all 6 points possible next week.

Go Wild!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Please come back next season Coach Adelman

Wednesday night, April 17^th the Timberwolves closed the 2012-2013 campaign with a win in San Antonio.

The win broke a 16 game losing streak in San Antonio. Yes, the Spurs rested their stars in the 4^th quarter, but it was still nice to see the young Wolves stay hungry and end the year on a positive note.

The last 3 months of April the team had 1 win total, but this year the team finished with 5. The team down the stretch showed me why I feel I can be excited about the future. This season in the last 16 games the team played .500 ball at 8-8. The year before the team went 2-14. I love this progress and the effort Coach Adelman and the team put forth.

The Timberwolves finished 31-51 this season which also marks the most wins a Timberwolves team had without Kevin Garnett.

The home mark ended at 20-21 which is remarkable. I had hoped to get the .500 mark.  The road ended at 11-30.

The team battled the injury bug all year which is no excuse to not win. The whole team is professional and when one goes down the next guy on the bench needs to step up.

I love the play of Ricky Rubio and without him I believe the win total may not have been this high. I am in hopes of the team keeping Derrick Williams on the court. I see a bright future for him. The team needs to sign Nikolai Pekovic to a long term deal. This guy besides Rubio might just be my favorite player to watch.

This team needs 1 or 2 players more I believe and the Western Conference had better be ready for a hungry Timberwolves team.

I look back at the schedule and see 2 five game and 2 six game losing streaks which is hard to look at.

The team also had a 4 game winning streak in the month of December. The Wolves had 2 big win at home over Oklahoma City, who is only the number one seed in the playoffs. The Wolves also had 2 blowout wins on the road. They pounded Phoenix by 31 and Detroit by 23. These 2 teams are not big powerhouse teams but still the Wolves played well enough to embarrass the home teams.

I went to a home game in March against San Antonio and the Wolves blew them out by 24. The Spurs were without Tim Duncan and Tony Parker would be an argument. The Wolves dressed 9 players that night.  Each team’s fans can argue why this happened, the only thing I know is the final.

I believe this team is so close to being relevant.  The team needs to get Kevin Love back. Rubio is only going to get better which is hard to believe the way he plays already. I would love to see Kirlenko and Chase Budinger part of the team as well.

I believe Coach Adelman did his best job yet with the injuries and getting the young players to buy in.  Thank you Coach and please come back for 2013-2014 season.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Source: Startribune.com

Low payroll team sweeps huge payroll team

The Twins had taken the first two with game 3 on tap Wednesday night. I made the trip up to Target Field in hopes of seeing a win and completing the three game sweep.

 I was sitting in section 110 under an overhang when the announcement was made saying the game was postponed and asked all fans in attendance to leave in an orderly fashion. It was the first game in my lifetime that I have ever been to that was cancelled.

The Twins played better the first 2 games against the Angels than they did in the previous series vs. the Mets. These 2 series now have something in common. The first two games were played while the finale was cancelled and makeup dates are needed.

The first game of the series I have nothing but positive to say about the Twins. Twins starter Kevin Correia pitched a whale of a game. The last start he pitched well but lost the lead late. It was nice this game that he got plenty of offensive support.

The series Trevor Plouffe had against the Mets found him committing two terrible and costly errors in the field. It was so nice to see him get a home run and a double in the first game. No one is perfect, but still mistakes are made so it was nice to see him contribute offensively.

Joe Mauer goes for 4-5 and end up one triple shy of hitting for the cycle. The Angels just could not get him out. The home run Joe hit was impressive going opposite field.

Twins called up rookie, Oswaldo Arcia for the game. His first major league at bat ends up hitting a single. I was impressed with that but more impressed with the fact of his awareness and turned the single into a double as the Angel outfielder bobbled the ball. What a start in the majors for Arcia.

The big money investments of the Angles, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton end up 1-8 in this game. The Twins pitchers did outstanding against these 2 multi-millionaires.

The second game once again Twins hitters came alive and provided offensive punch. Twins pitcher, Mike Pelfrey struggled but yet fought through 5 enough to get the win. I appreciate the effort by Mike.

Mauer copy and paste game 1 with same 4-5. The Angels pitchers just can’t figure him out. Mauer had 3 rbis in each game.

I like the insertions of Brian Dozier into the leadoff and evidently so did Brian going 2-4. The Twins season is very early but so far the leadoff batter has been extremely disappointing. I liked Dozier last year and I believe or hope that Gardenhire will keep Dozier in this spot to see how he handles things. The leadoff spot can’t be any worse than what it has been.

Twins outfielder, Wilkin Ramirez had a big night going 2-2. He just became a new father and was having a great game going only to get hurt and now is day to day.

The Twins hit well, played well and got some quality pitching against a team that is figured to be in the playoffs. Way to go Twins!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Wild make it 2 for 2 on the road

The Wild coming off a terrible home stand and now are on the road for 3 games with the first 2 against teams that are struggling and the third game against a strong playoff contender. How will the Wild perform as they see teams moving up on them in the playoff standings on them?

Monday the Wild got a huge win over the Calgary Flames. My hope on Tuesday is twofold. One, the obvious question being can the Wild win back to back nights on the road? Two, Edmonton just fired their General Manager so how will the Oiler’ players respond?

It did not take long to get an answer as 1:01 into the game Wild’s Kyle Brodziak scored. Wow, that was awesome as I hoped this would take the wind out of the home team. What makes this even nicer for Brodziak who had 25-30 family and friends at the game.

The Wild score 2 goals all last week at home and now get 9 in two games. Do the Wild play better when their backs are against the wall? A tough week at home and teams below them are getting hot. The Wild know they have to win and now two games into the road trip they are getting the job done.

The current captain and former captains are scoring goals as Pominville, former Sabres captain got 2 on Monday, Koivu current team captain got one Monday and on Tuesday, former Devils captain, Zach Parise got one.

It was Koivu’s and Parise’s first goal of the month of April. All I can say is welcome back guys and let’s put the past in the rear view mirror.

This team has so much talent and is showing big time on the road trip. My dream of a playoff run continues.

The article I wrote earlier I had thought Clayton Stoner is not playing up to par. I was so happy to see him get involved in a positive way. Stoner got 2 assists on Tuesday. Way to go Clayton!!

I had just read earlier Tuesday the Wild were sending Mikael Granlund back to Houston. Mike Rupp turned out to be a scratch so Granlund stays and what does he do? He scores a big goal putting the Wild up by two goals in the second period.

 I love it when a player makes it tough on the coaching staff to know where to put them. Do they go back to Houston or stay up with the Wild?

The Wild come into the unknown with the Edmonton Oilers in turmoil. You never know how a team will respond to adversity. The Wild did what they had to and got the ever important two points and remain in 6^th place.

A big night for Brodziak, getting two goals in front of family and friends to help in getting the big W, in this nerve wrecking time of year for players and fans.

Reminder the Wild are down to 5 games: 18^th in San Jose 21^st home vs. Calgary 23^rd home vs. Los Angeles 26^th home vs. Edmonton and last game is the 27^th in Colorado.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick